ITOMAN, Japan (AP) — Takamatsu Gushiken turns on a headtorch and enters a cave buried in Okinawa's jungle. He gently runs his fingers through the gravel until two pieces of bone emerge. These are from ...

The subtropical island of Okinawa Prefecture has an environment, climate and culture very different to mainland Japan. An independent kingdom and trading hub until the 17th century, the influence ...

By Martin Fackler and Kiuko Notoya Reporting from Henoko, Okinawa Keiko Itokazu can still remember the day in 1965 when the parachute didn’t open. It was attached to a jeep trailer that was ...

Shuri-jo Castle served not only as the royal palace but also the center of politics, diplomacy and culture for 450 years from 1429. Okinawa became part of Japan when it was annexed as a ...

Today, with more than 35 inhabited islands, Okinawa features a unique culture alongside wild nature. Its numerous beaches, which have the longest open season in Japan of roughly seven months ...

The dugong is significant in traditional Okinawan culture and mythology, and the Japanese government has designated them for protection under Japan’s Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. But ...

Takamatsu Gushiken uses a hoe to move dirt while searching for the remains of those who died during the WWII Battle of Okinawa on Itoman. (Hiro Komae/AP) ITOMAN, Japan — Takamatsu Gushiken turns ...

“We are in a very difficult situation,” said Kazuhiro Toguchi, director of the Okinawa Prefectural Department of Culture, Tourism and Sports. “We expect to continue to be greatly affected by ...

ITOMAN, Japan — Takamatsu Gushiken turns on a headtorch and enters a cave buried in Okinawa's jungle. He gently runs his fingers through the gravel until two pieces of bone emerge. These are ...

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - While the culture of Okinawa continues to thrive in Hawaii, the native language of the southern islands of Japan is on the verge of extinction. The decline began in the ...

During the Lunar New Year, there are more opportunities to see Okinawan performers showcasing their culture at community events. Sydney-based eisa (Okinawan dance) group Eisa Champroo will perform ...